SERIE A MATCH REPORT

Parma set a new club record by going unbeaten for 12 Serie A games, making the most of Atalanta’s mistakes to win 4-0.

Both sides were comfortably mid-table and could aim for something more than mere safety this season. The Ducali were unbeaten in 11 games, equalling the club record set in 1995-96, though their run of four consecutive wins was halted by a poor 0-0 draw with Catania last week. Atalanta knew they had to rely on their home form this season, but Luca Cigarini was suspended with GianpaoloBellini injured. The visitors missed Dias Felipe and Joel Obi.

CristianRaimondi had penalty appeals in the opening minutes when his shot appeared to hit an arm, but the referee waved play on.

CristianMolinaro broke the deadlock with his first goal since returning to Italy from the Bundesliga. Jonathan Biabiany’s cross from the right found Molinaro unmarked for a deflected angled drive.

It was a goal somewhat against the run of play and Atalanta continued to keep possession, as Raimondi’s screamer was charged down and Antonio Mirante brilliantly beat away a Maxi Moralez header from point-blank range, though the shortest striker in Serie A should’ve done better from that German Denis knockdown.

Walter Gargano thought he had scored a second for Parma straight after the restart, but Andrea Consigli stuck out a boot to parry. The Atalanta goalkeeper also plucked a dangerous cross off the head of Biabiany.

AfriyieAcquah was frankly fortunate to escape without a second yellow card for his mistimed tackle on Raimondi on 59 minutes. YohanBenalouane’s long-range strike was well parried and Consigli was at full stretch to stop EzequielSchelotto’sbackheel flick from a Marco Marchionni effort squirming in.

Atalanta put the final nail in their own coffin when YohanBenalouane chested a cross back towards his goalkeeper, but Consigli wasn’t expecting it and the ball flew in at the near post for an own goal.

Antonio Cassano took advantage of Consigli’s shock at that incident and surprised him again with a free kick low at the near post.

Schelotto completed the 4-0 rout in stoppages by sliding on to the end of a Marco Parolo assist, but did not celebrate against his former club.